The requests for funds will be examined next week by a citizens' review committee, according to Jim Creedon, director of planning and development for the county.

He said yesterday the panel hopes to announce the grant recipients by the end of the month.

Creedon declined to identify those filing requests for funding until the committee has a chance to review them.

The review panel consists of David Bausch, county executive; Creedon; Joan Nowak, county public information officer; Judith Ruhe Diehl, county commissioners' chairman; James Musselman, William Leh and Peter Blume, citizen representatives.

Local groups are eligible for grants of up to $800 each, Creedon said.

The funds may be used to support activities in all art forms and cultural events, including library events when these involve artists or art organizations. Historic preservation activities will also be considered.

Priority will be given to projects of a regional nature. The arts activities must take place between April 1 and Aug. 31 and must be open to the public.